MZ is proud to be woman-owned and women-run. We believe in lifting each other up, supporting each other's endeavors, and affecting positive change every step of the way. This holiday season we are excited to share some beautiful gift ideas from women-run brands we love, and a bit about how they give back and make an impact. 

Eclipse Color Block Scarf by Anchal 

Made with lightweight and buttery soft organic cotton, this oversized scarf can also be used as a shawl or shoulder wrap. We love the neutral colorblocks paired with detailed stitching, resulting in an elegant and refined look. The Eclipse Color Block Scarf is handmade by women artisans in India.

Anchal is a non-profit, and verified fair trade via the Fair Trade Federation. Anchal honors the slow fashion movement by hand-stitching, and all pieces are made from eco-friendly low-impact dyes, vintage fabric and GOTS certified organic cotton. Investing in their artisan partners, they challenge the exploitative fast fashion industry by creating human connections and abiding by fair trade practices. 

Founded by sister designers Colleen and Maggie Clines, it partners with a non-profit in India that addresses women's health issues and sex trafficking. You can learn more about Anchal's social impact here.

Reyti Throw by Studio Variously

The Reyti Throw is a 100% organic cotton throw crafted by improvising a 700- year-old ancient technique of handloom weaving originating from western part of India. Reyti means mud / sand in Hindi language, and this beautiful throw with its natural dye gives an effect of the shades of mud and sand in the habitat of the artisan's village in India. We love the natural beauty of this throw and the story behind it.

Studio Variously was founded by Indian-born designer Anjali Purohit, and is focused on sustainability and ethical production. Supporting sustainable design goals set by the United Nations, the brand chooses to explore minimal design elements rooted with heritage values (the cotton is 100% rain-fed!) and ancient printing & weaving techniques. Studio Variously directly supports artisan communities to restore and revive them economically. You can learn more about the brand's sustainability efforts here.

The Empowered Novel Necklace by ABLE

Nashville- based ABLE is an ethical fashion brand that employs and empowers women as a solution to end poverty. They partner with local recovery programs to hire women jewelers – for many of them, it's their first opportunity back in the workplace, and an incredible opportunity to thrive and grow. 

We love that the Empowered Novel Necklace can be personalized. Best of all, 10% of its sale proceeds goes to the Loveland Foundation, an organization committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. 

The Cotton Face Mask by Passion Lilie 

The essential gift this holiday season, and much better for the environment than disposable versions. We love the pretty prints and super comfortable cotton of this Cotton Face Mask. 

Founded by New Orleans designer Katie Schmidt, Passion Lilie is a fair trade and sustainable apparel brand on a mission to help artisans empower themselves by creating dignified employment opportunities. They use eco-friendly materials throughout the supply chain and preserve the artistic and cultural talents of their artisan partners. You can learn more about their story here.

The Quebracho Earrings by Rachael Kinsey Designs

We are swooning over the bold yet delicate beauty of the Quebracho Earrings, featuring organic cotton tassels naturally dyed with pomegranate rinds and the heartwood and bark from the quebracho tree indigenous to South America. 

Wilmington-based emerging designer Rachael Kinsey draws inspiration from the earth, sea, and stars, using all-natural plant dyes, vintage findings, recycled silk, and organic cotton. The result is a collection of jewelry that is nothing short of magical. 

Rachael gives back to her community via Yoga Village, a non-profit that brings yoga into public schools. She is also the founder of Project Social, a community driven organization for adults and children to hold space for creative exploration through the DIY experience. 

The Starry Eyes Yoga Bag by MZ 

This dreamy yoga bag definitely has us starry-eyed.  It's the perfect holiday gift for the yogi in your life. It has an ultra-soft feel with brown nubuck leather and the stunning wool tapete is naturally dyed in tones of denim blue (indigo),  grey (huizache + pomegranate), honey yellow (moss + pericón)  and beige (undyed wool). 

Handmade by Zapotec indigenous master artisans, each MZ bag is a piece of wearable art. MZ is woman-owned, women-run, and accredited fair trade brand that seeks to share the beautiful artistry of Oaxaca with the rest of the world. You can learn more about our story and mission here.  Until 12/24, enjoy 15% OFF with code HANDMADE. 

We hope you enjoyed exploring our Impactful Gift Guide, and learning about these mission-driven brands. We'd love to hear about other impactful brands you love- let us know in the comments!

Have a safe and happy holiday season.